Shows
The Early Years Staff MeetingTransitions in Early Years: Navigating The Summer TermSend us a textSummer term brings a unique whirlwind of activity for Early Years educators—a constant mental hum that simply doesn't stop. Between writing dozens of reports, finalising assessment data, creating balanced class lists, and managing transitions, it truly exemplifies what Sarah and Steph call "teacher tired." This episode dives deep into the complex world of transitions in Early Years settings, exploring both the philosophical approaches and practical strategies that make this period successful for children. The hosts share their school's staggered start approach for incoming nursery and reception children, explaining how reducing num...2025-03-1546 min
The Early Years Staff MeetingCreating Writers Through Play and PurposeSend us a textWriting development continues to be one of the most challenging areas for early years educators to address, particularly as we approach end-of-year assessments. The conflict between developmental readiness and curriculum expectations creates a tension that can be difficult to navigate. But what if the solution isn't more formal writing sessions, but rather creating more compelling reasons for children to write?We dive deep into the realities of writing in reception classrooms, examining what the Early Learning Goals actually require and sharing exemplars that demonstrate the true expectations. Contrary to common misconceptions...2025-03-1551 min
The Early Years Staff MeetingThe Montessori Method:More Than Just Wooden Toys.Send us a textUnlock the secrets of the Montessori method with our heartfelt exploration into the life and legacy of Maria Montessori. This episode promises a journey through her revolutionary approach to education, born from a blend of engineering, psychiatry, and keen observation. We delve into her story, the challenges she overcame, and how her vision continues to influence educators worldwide. Together, we'll uncover practical applications of the Montessori principles that can breathe new life into today’s classrooms.Step into the serene world of Montessori learning environments and discover what makes them so un...2024-03-1349 min
The Early Years Staff MeetingWorld Book DaySend us a textWe're back, after a short hiatus and we are talking about all things World Book Day. We're reigniting the true spirit of World Book Day, with tales of past shenanigans and a vision for a celebration that truly honors the joy of reading through child centred activities and continuous provision. Remember when dressing up for World Book Day felt like stepping into the pages of your favorite story? We're taking you on a stroll down that costume-clad memory lane, reliving the laughter and the literary love that's grown a bit too co...2024-03-0326 min
The Early Years Staff MeetingA Very Merry Early Years ChristmasSend us a textAre you ready to ditch the Elf on the Shelf and shake up your in-class Christmas celebrations? In our latest episode, we share the ups and the downs of creating festive magic in schools. From nativity play mishaps to the pressures of crafting unforgettable memories for the kids, we've been there, done that, and we're sharing it all with you. As a cherry on top, we celebrate our recent download milestone and extend our gratitude to you, our esteemed listeners.We are hanging up our elf hats this year and exploring...2023-11-2930 min